Washington DC [US]: Luigi Mangione was indicted on Tuesday for the murder of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, who was fatally shot in Manhattan on December 4, CNN reported. The 26-year-old faces an 11-count indictment that includes charges of first-degree murder, two counts of second-degree murder, and additional weapon and forgery offenses.
The indictment by a Manhattan grand jury includes a charge of second-degree murder as a crime of terrorism.
“This was a frightening, well-planned, targeted murder that was intended to cause shock and attention and intimidation,” Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg said during a news conference. He emphasized that the shooting occurred in one of New York City’s busiest areas, posing a threat to the safety of residents, tourists, commuters, and businesspeople.
Mangione’s lawyer, Karen Friedman Agnifilo, stated that her client would not contest extradition to New York. He is scheduled to appear in a Pennsylvania court on Thursday for an extradition hearing, where a judge will determine the next steps for his return to New York to face the charges.
If convicted, Mangione could face a sentence of life in prison without the possibility of parole, according to the district attorney’s office.
“This was a killing that was intended to evoke terror, and we’ve seen that reaction,” Bragg said. “This was not an ordinary killing. Not to suggest that any killing is ordinary, but this was extraordinary.”
NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch remarked on the significance of the indictment.
“The unsealing of today’s indictment brings us one step closer to securing justice for Brian Thompson and his family and affirming the primacy of the rule of law in the city of New York,” Tisch said, as quoted by CNN.
The case has drawn national attention, highlighting the impact of violence in high-profile crimes and the importance of pursuing justice for the victims.